Arkansas State Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arkansas State Library |
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| 900 West Capitol Avenue in Little Rock | |
| Type | Special library |
| Scope | State and local government publications, Federal depository library, Patent and Trademark depository |
| Established | 1935, as the Arkansas Library Commission; 1979, as the Arkansas State Library |
| Location | Little Rock, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°44′45.5586″N 92°16′51.1680″W / 34.745988500°N 92.280880000°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 2,600,000+ |
| Other information | |
| Director | Jennifer Chilcoat |
| Staff | 42 |
The Arkansas State Library (ASL) is a special library that works as a state agency. It is part of the Arkansas Department of Education. The ASL helps state government groups, lawmakers, and their staff find important information.
It also guides and supports local public libraries. The ASL offers resources, services, and leadership to meet the learning, information, and cultural needs of people in Arkansas.
Contents
History of the Arkansas State Library
The Arkansas General Assembly created the Arkansas Library Commission in 1935. They started giving money to it in 1937. The commission was based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
It provided library services all over the state. They even mailed books to people until 1971. The commission also helped libraries choose books and gave money for new library projects. In 1979, the legislature changed the commission into the new Arkansas State Library.
Services for Everyone
The Arkansas State Library has many programs and services for the public. These include:
- Arkansas Center for the Book: This program promotes reading and literacy.
- Document Collection: You can find many important documents here.
- Information about the Arkansas General Assembly: Learn about lawmakers, meetings, and new laws.
- Library for the Blind and Print Disabled: Special services for people who cannot read regular print.
- Information Services: Get help with research or ask a librarian questions.
- Library Card Registration: Find out how to get your own library card.
- Online Catalog: Search for books and other materials.
- Patents and Trademarks: Get help with new inventions and brand names. The ASL is the only place in Arkansas that helps with this.
- Resource Assistance In Seeking Employment (R.A.I.S.E): Get help finding a job.
- Social Media: Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
- Newsletter: Stay informed with their regular newsletter.
- Public Library Directory: Find a public library near you.
- Summer Reading Program: Join fun reading activities during the summer.
Support for Libraries and Staff
The ASL helps librarians and library leaders with many services. They offer resources like the Arkansas Center for the Book. They also provide information on federal and state documents. The ASL helps libraries get grants and manage inter-library loans. They also support the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Resources for State Government
People who work for the state government and lawmakers can use the State Library's online databases. They can get help with research and find federal and state documents. They can also use inter-library loan services and the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Help for Teachers and Students
The Arkansas State Library offers many services for teachers and students. These include:
- America's Story from America's Library: Fun facts and stories from the Library of Congress for kids.
- Arkansas Center for the Book: Programs that encourage reading.
- Arkansas Department of Education: Resources related to education in Arkansas.
- Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids: Learn about the U.S. government for different age groups.
- Book Awards & Reading Lists: Find out about award-winning books and get reading ideas.
- Letters about Literature: A program where students write letters to authors.
Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
The Arkansas Regional Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is a part of the Arkansas State Library. It is also connected to the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). People in Arkansas who cannot use regular printed books can borrow popular books and magazines. These are available in recorded audio or Braille format, and it's all free.
See also
- List of Arkansas state agencies
